EV3 Programming

Overview for FLL Coaches

A very big high five to Tony Ayad

2013 Natures Fury Coach Call

Basic programming of the Mindstorm EV3 Robot

People Introductions
Deborah Kerr & Faridodin Lajvardi - FIRST Senior Mentor
Jason Yount - Technical Training Manager - LEGO Education North America
Glenn Swinson , FIRST FLL Logistics Manager

Main Topic:
Jason will walk through a slide set for programming the EV3 robot
This call is meant to present Basic programming, not advanced methods, and
thus geared toward newcomers to the Mindstorm and FLL experience
Technical Support where to get help
Q&A

Outline
Purpose:
This workshop is intended for FLL coaches who are interested in learning about
Mindstorms EV3 programming language.
Programming
EV3 Controller (aka: the brick)
User Interface
Building Blocks
Controlling the robot with MOVE Blocks
What is New: EV3 vs. NXT
Turns - there is more than one way to turn
Geometry and Math for the Robot
Gyro Sensor
Advanced Programming
Light Sensor
Program Control (WAIT, LOOP, SWITCH Blocks)
Math (VARIABLES, MATH and COMPARE Blocks)
My Block
Resources

EV3 Brick
2 = Center, press the
center button to select
and accept options, or
run a program.
1 = Back, this button
is used to reverse
actions, to stop a
running program,
and to shut down the
EV3.

3
3

2
3

3 = left, right, Up, Down

These four buttons are
used to navigate through
the various menus.

Programmable EV3
Brick
Four outputs (motors)
Four inputs (sensors)
USB, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi
connection
Improved LCD screen
16 MB flash memory
64 MB RAM
SD Card Port: 32 GB
Multiple onboard utilities
1,000 samples per second
EV3 Brick Button lights
Sound

Ports, Sensors and Motors

1, 2, 3, 4 = Input ports used

for sensors.

A, B, C, D = Output ports
used for motors.

The PC USB port is used to connect to

The PC so you can download the
Programs into EV3 Controller

Large Motor

Medium Motor

EV3 Motors

Two types of motors

Redesigned to allow easy construction

The Large Motor is a strong and

powerful full motor.

The Medium Motor is a less powerful

motor but runs at a higher revolution
rate.

Both motors have tacho feedback

enabling 1 degree resolution.

Both motors are Auto IDsupported.

The Medium Motor is smaller and lighter

to allow more construction options.

EV3 Ultrasonic Sensor

Detects distance

Accurate to 1 cm or 0.3 inches

Can listen for other ultrasonic

sensors

Improved design for easier build

solutions

Eyes light up to identify which

mode the sensor is operating in

Auto ID

EV3 Color Sensor

Detects eight different colors

Detects ambient light, from dark

to sunlight

Detects reflective red light

Built-in cancelling of backlight

makes sensor more reliable

Improved design for easier build

solutions

Auto ID

Touch Sensor

Detects pressed

Detects released

Detects bumped

Improved design for easier build

solutions

Auto ID

Gyro Sensor

Angle mode

Gyro Sensor mode

Angle and Gyro Sensor modes

Can reset accumulated angle

value

Improved design for easier

build solutions

Auto ID

EV3 Navigation
Open a previously saved project
Lobby
Button
Open New
Project

Open New
Project or
previously
saved ones

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Robot Educator

Projects and Programs

Opened Project

Project Properties
Currently Opened Programs
belonging to opened project

Click to create a
new program
within the current
project

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Programming Environment Workspace

Programming canvas
where you can lay out
the programs blocks /
instructions

Programming palettes
where you can find the
various building blocks

Hardware page establishes communication with

the EV3 brick and where you download
programs into the EV3, view memory usages,
battery level, and to find out motors or sensors
and where they are connected.
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The Communication Pane

Connection status
Download programs ready to be run
Download/play programs instantly
Download a section of a program to
run
Intelligent EV3 Brick status: name and
battery level, etc.
Port status and sensor readings
Type of connection between the EV3
Brick and the computer (BT, Wi-Fi, or
USB)

Content Editor
Animations
Build guides
Interactive guides
Sample programs
Challenges
Save as a project
Teacher and student
modes
Edit facility

Palettes
Action Blocks

Medium Motor, Large Motor, Move Steering, Move Tank, Display, Sound,
Brick Status Light.
Flow Blocks

Start, Wait, Loop, Switch, Loop Interrupt

Sensor Blocks

Brick Buttons, Color, Gyro, Infrared, Motor Rotation, Temperature, Timer, Touch, Ultrasonic,
Energy Meter, Sound

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Palettes
Action Blocks

Variable, Constant, Array, Logic, Math, Round, Compare, Range, Text, Random

Advanced Blocks

File Access, Data Logging, Messaging, BlueTooth, Keep Awake, Raw Sensor
Value, Unregulated Motor, Invert Motor, Stop Program
My Blocks

Block you create to repeat same actions in multiple

programs. Programmers refer to this as subroutines or
functions.

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Controlling the EV3 Motors

Instructing the robot to move and turn is accomplished by the Large Motors which rotate
in a predetermined direction where positive amount of power (e.g. 75), will cause a
clockwise rotation and negative power (e.g., -45) will cause a counter-clockwise
rotation.

Negative Power (-60)

Positive Power (+60)

NOTE: the same concept applies the medium motor.

All examples used in this document assume the robot

configuration and motor is mounted as shown.

B - Motor
C - Motor
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Move Steering Block

Move Steering
Controls and regulates two motors.
Both motors move either forward (positive
power) or backward (negative power)
Allows steering by applying more power to
one of the two motors

Brake or
Coast

Steering Control from (-100- 100)

where
0 = move straight;
Positive# = C more power than B
negative# = B more power than C

Power (100 to -100); positive

number is move forward;
negative, moves backward.
Note: small amount of power
may cause the robot to stall.

Number of motor
degrees, rotations or
seconds

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Move Tank Block

Move Tank
Control two motors and allows each motor to
move with different power level including in
different direction for turning or spinning.
For turning: one motor has zero power; the other
has positive (forward) or negative(backward)
power.
When zero power is specified, the motor is locked
and will not move to ensure accurate turns
For spinning, use positive power for one and
negative for the other

Brake or
Coast

Power (100 to -100); positive

number is move forward;
negative, moves backward.
Note: small amount of power
may cause the robot to stall.

Number of motor
degrees, rotations or
seconds

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Large Motor Block

Large Motor
Control a single large motor
When zero power is specified, the motor is
locked and will not move to ensure accurate
turns

Brake or
Coast

Power (100 to -100); positive

number is move forward;
negative, moves backward.
Note: small amount of power
may cause the robot to stall.

Number of motor
degrees, rotations or
seconds

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Medium Motor Block

Medium Motor
The Medium Motor block controls the
Medium Motor. You can turn the motor on or
off, control its power level, or turn the motor
on for a specified amount of time or
rotations
When zero power is specified, the motor is
locked and will not move
Use positive or negative power to control
direction

Brake or
Coast

Power (100 to -100); positive

number is move forward;
negative, moves backward.
Note: small amount of power
may cause robot to stall.

Number of motor
degrees, rotations or
seconds

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Steps to create a program

1. Click and hold block with left mouse button to drag it

2. Drop the programming block when grey box appears

3. Select / enter options

4. Click download to compile and load the

program in the EV3 controller

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Whats new
All files are stored within the Project file, i.e., programs, my blocks. You can move /
copy the project file to other computers and it will work. Now you can backup the
entire project or even use a memory stick to store your project!
Turning on/off the EV3 now takes about 30 seconds

The MOVE block is replaced by the MOVE STEERING and MOVE TANK blocks
MOVE STEERING has single power control; motors are regulated, i.e., if one motor
moves faster than the other, the faster motor will be slowed down to compensate.
MOVE TANK: has independent power controls for each motor where one can move
faster than the other or even in opposite direction. This too is regulated.
NOTE: with limited testing, it appears that issues using steering in NXT are solved in
EV3!

The MOTOR block is replaced by LARGE MOTOR and MEDIUM MOTOR

In NXT-G you specified direction, in EV3, you specify either negative
or positive power to control the direction of the motors
The unlimited duration option is replaced by ON
The STOP option of MOVE and MOTOR blocks are replaced by OFF
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Whats new the much improved Math Block!!!

As with the NXT, you can Add, Subtract, Divide,
Multiply, and obtain the absolute value. Now you
can calculate an exponent and CREATE YOUR
CUSTOM FUNCTION under the Advanced option!
You have up to 4 variable which can be initialized
with wires from other math blocks or typed-in.

Then you can enter your own function and obtain

the result
This reduces the number of math blocks used.
QUIZ: what is the answer?

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Whats new continued

LOOP blocks can be given names
The LOOP block can be stopped with a
condition within the loop or with a new
LOOP INTERRUPT
Multiple parallel programming sequences can
be created using a new START block
Multiple sequences can run simultaneously
Clicking the green arrow of the START block,
will compile and download the entire program to your
EV3, but only the selected sequence will run.

Walk and
Chew gum
At the same
Time!

Use the Invert Motor block to have a normal forward and backward
directions swapped. Any programming blocks after the Invert Motor block
that would normally make the motor turn clockwise will instead make the
motor turn counter-clockwise, and vice-versa.
Programming Bug NOTE: IT DOESNT WORK with Move Steering or
Move Tank.
Built-in light sensor calibration is gone! You have to build your own (see example on
the following pages)
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What is New - Continued

In order to use NXT sensors with EV3, a new RAW SENSOR VALUE
block is included
Although you can use the NXT light sensor, you have to write a
program to calibrate and interpret the reading using the RAW
SENSOR VALUE block
REMEMBER: Raw white reading is less than black!!!
How do we compute light intensity for NXT light Sensor
First, we have to know the white raw value and the black raw value
For example, if we measure the white black values as in light calibration, the
numbers will be around 1300 for White and 2300 for black
To compute the light intensity of X, we use this formula
Step 1:
Range = Black White
= 2300 2000 = 1000
White
1300

Range = Black White

= 2300 1300
= 1000

X
2000

Black
2300

Step 2:
Black - X 2300 - 2000
Intensity =
= .3 or 30%
=
1000
Range

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Whats New Continued

The NUMBER to TEXT block, which was used to convert numeric values to text so they
can be displayed, was eliminated!
Logic and numeric Data wires can be automatically converted as described below.
From Type

To Type

Result

Logic

Numeric

False = 0, True = 1

Logic

Text

False = 0, True = 1

Numeric

Text

Text representation of the number

(For example, 3.5)

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Turn vs. Spin

There are two ways in which you can make the robot turn
Make ONLY one motor move, or
Using both motors moving in opposite direction, and this
is referred to as spinning"

B
One Motor move:
Right Turn Use MOVE TANK block and select a power
level for the B motor and zero for the "C" motor
In this case the robots right wheel will be stationary and
the left wheel will move.

Right
brake

Forward
B
Turning with two motors in opposite direction
To turn right, use the MOVE TANK block where the B
motor will turn clockwise (positive power) and the C
motor will turn counter clockwise (negative power).

Backward

TIP: for turning in a tight spot, use the two motors.

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Turns Continued
To make 180 degree right turn using a tank move or large motor

End Position

Start Position
B

B
To make 180 degree right turn using tank move (spin in place)

Start Position

End Position

Note the distance travelled is shorter (exactly half) when using both two motors.

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Geometry and Math

Fun way to see that what is learned in school can be applied to the
FIRST LEGO Leagues robots.
Note: it may be a stretch for younger teams that have not covered
these concepts in school.

C = x Diameter

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Inches to Motor Degrees

The Circumference of the robots wheel determines the number of inches it will travel in 1 rotation
Circumference of wheel = x Diameter
Degrees traveled per inch = 360 / circumference of wheel
3.2 inches
Circumference of wheel = x Diameter = 3.14 x 3.2 = 10.0 inches
Degrees traveled per inch = 360 / 10.0 = 36 motor degrees
1 Rotation = 10 inches
2.2 inches

Circumference of wheel = x Diameter = 3.14 x 2.2 = 6.9 inches

Degrees traveled per inch = 360 / 6.9 = 52 motor degrees
1 Rotation = 7 inches

1.6 inches

Circumference of wheel = x Diameter = 3.14 x 1.6 = 5 inches

Degrees traveled per inch = 360 / 5 = 72 motor degrees
1 Rotation = 5 inches

You can use a ruler or measuring tape to plan mission

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Measuring turn travel distance More Geometry!

When the robot turns using one motor, it will make a circle whose Radius is the
distance between the wheels

5.5 in

In this case, the radius is 5.5 inches

Circumference = 2 X X R
= 2 X 3.14 x 5.5 = 34.5 inches

5.5 in

2.2 inches
If the robot is using the wheel whose diameter is 2.2 inches
and therefore its circumference is 7 inches, how many wheel rotations
will it take to make a complete robot turn rotation (34.5 inches)?
Circumference of Robot Turn Circle
Circumference of Robots Wheel

Diameter X
Diameter X

11 X 3.14
2.2 X 3.14

4.9

Note: it takes 4.9 wheel rotations to make a complete (360 turn)

(or 4.9 motor degrees to travel 1 degree of turn circle)
Example: to make a 90 robot turn
Motor Degrees = 90 X 4.9 = 441 Motor Degrees

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Turning the easy way Gyro Sensor!

The gyro sensor has Angle Measure Feature to allow
you to control turns based upon the turn angle.
When the Gyro Sensor is attached to the robot, and
robot turns to the right, the gyro sensor will report
positive number; if the robot turns left, the Gyro
Sensor will report a negative number.

Negative

Positive

See example below

NOTE: you must reset the gyro sensor as the first step and
immediately before turning so that your turn is measured
from the robots current position!
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Programming Process
Analysis and Planning Steps
Define the problem
Brainstorm solution and select one
KEEP IT SIMPLE!
Plan and create a flowchart and take measurements
Programming suggestions
Divide the program into small pieces
Program one pieces at a time
Example: Move the robot to black line

Once the step is consistently repeatable, go to the next

Whenever possible reuse repeatable combination of blocks using MYBLOCK
Ask for help
http://forums.usfirst.org/forumdisplay.php?f=24
The questions should be generic and not specific to strategy

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Tips
For moving straight, the MOVE STEERING / MOVE TANK blocks have a

built-in PID to regulate the movement of B & C motors. If one motor falls
behind, the MOVE STEERING block compensate by applying less power to
the faster motor.
For driving the robot, use the B & C motor ports; the A and D ports should
be used for the robots arm.
Using full motor power (100%) may cause erratic robot movement, use 75%
or less.
Conversely, too little power (below 25%) may cause the robot to stall.
Brake at the end of each MOVE block to take advantage of the PID which self
corrects to achieve more precise moves.
Using Degrees is a more accurate way to move motors; using time, will be
inconsistent when the batteries become weak
The MOVE STEERING / MOVE TRACK block also keeps track of errors
that accumulate in multiple blocks and adjusts itself.
Use the brake option and also use the RESET block.
REMEMBER: the tradeoff between speed and accuracy!

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Why Color / Light sensors?

One of the ways for the robot to know its location is to take advantage of the
markings on the field mat. Every year, the Robot Games mat has lines or
dark markings that can be detected by the color Sensor.
In this section, we will cover the following
How do color sensors work?

How to calibrate the color sensor?

Common use Programming Examples:
Move until a dark line is encountered by the robot,
Align the robot with a black line
Follow a line

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Color Sensors reflected light mode

The COLOR SENSOR shines a light on the mat and reads the reflected
brightness level (intensity) level, i.e. dark or bright, to help the robot
recognize its position and through programming take action.
Light intensity ranges from 0-100%
On a bright (white) area of the mat the light intensity value will be above 50%
On darker area (blue, black, green,), the light intensity value will be below 50%

70%
50%
20%
50%

Black
Violet
Dark Blue
Dark Red / Brown

70%

To obtain more accurate reading, make sure the light sensor is close to the mat (less
than inch)
Calibrate the sensor whenever light conditions change (see calibrate slide)
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How to write a program to calibrate the light sensor

41

WAIT for light value block

The WAIT block keeps checking for the specified light intensity value and
when the condition is met, the next step in the program is executed
Port: identify the NXT port where the
light sensor is connected
Enter value you would
like to test.

Select > greater than or < less than.

Example: if you select < and entered 50, and
the light sensor encounters a black block, the
result will be the test is True

42

Wait Block Examples

Example 1:
Move until the robot detects a (black)
dark line and stop

Example 2:
Move to detect a black line, using
a LOOP block instead of WAIT.
Simultaneously use the WAIT for
time block and if two seconds
elapsed, end the loop using
LOOP INTERRUPT and stop the
motors.

43

Advanced Blocks and Example

To create a line follower program you will need to use the light sensor and
repeatedly check the light value and adjust the robots position
LOOP Block
COMPARE Block Line follower examples
Additional Blocks
VARIABLE
MATH
COMPARE
Data Hubs

44

The LOOP Block

Sometimes, there are actions that you want to repeat. The LOOP block allows you
to repeat those actions until an end condition is met (or becomes TRUE).
Example: make the robot move around a box and return to its starting position
To move along the box sides, it takes 8 blocks as follows:

Using the LOOP

block, only
Repeat the
loop 4 times

Warning: Deleting the LOOP block will also delete all the blocks within the
loop. You can move the blocks out of the loop, then delete it.

45

SWITCH block
The SWITCH block will check for a condition and will take one action if
the condition is true and another action if the condition is false

The Switch block

contains two or
more sequences of
programming blocks
that are run based
on condition.

Repeat the loop

for 5 seconds

46

Advanced Blocks
VARIABLE block
The variable block is a bucket where you can store
information and retrieve it at a later time.
There are three types: Number, Text, and Logic

MATH block
The math block allows the addition, subtraction,
division or multiplication of two numbers.
Input

Input

Result

COMPARE block
The compare allows you to determine if
one number is greater than, less than
or equal to another number.
Result (True or False)

47

VARIABLES create your own variables

To create your own variables
1. Click Project Property icon
2. Click the "Variables" Tab,
3. Then click on Add

4. Enter the variable name

5. Select the type
6. Press OK

9/26/2013

EV3 Programming - Tony Ayad

48

My Block
My Block is a combination of one or more blocks that are grouped into a single "Block".
Once created, it can be used in many programs. My Block can be used in the following
ways:
1. Minimize the coding, if certain actions are repeated in multiple programs.
Often, you need to repeat certain steps, for example, different programs require
that the robot would back into the wall to re-orient itself. This process can be
placed into a My Block.
2. Divide a program into smaller manageable pieces
3. Reduces the amount of memory used.
4. Clarify the action taken in programs by creating self explanatory My Blocks
Example 1: your program already includes 22 blocks and youre not finished. It is time
to consider breaking up the program into chunks, i.e., My Blocks.
Example 2: For turning left or right you use the LARGE MOTOR block. When someone
is reviewing the program, they cant tell which way the robot is turning if you are only
using MOTOR block. Solution: create a Turn Left My Block to make it easy to
understand the program.
Example 3: One youve fine tuned a perfect 90 degree turn, you can create your own
My Block for the perfect 90 degree left and right turn.

49

My Block Example Moving

using inches instead of degrees
Objective:
Build a move My Block that takes
one input called duration which
represent the number of inches
1. Select the Math & Move blocks
2. Under tools, select "My Block Builder

3. Type My Block Name MoveInches,

and enter an optional description and
select a my block icon
4. Click on the Parameter Icon, then
enter parameter name and click
on Finish.

50

Using My Block
Once youve created My Block, it will
become available on the My Block palette
1. Select the My Block palette

2. Drag and drop the My Block

named "MoveInches" into the program

Type the number of inches into the "a" input

valueThats it.

51

My Block Tips
Use My Block to break down a large program into two or more My Blocks
If you create a My Block with one input and decided later to add another input, youll
have to start over

If you create a My Block with two inputs and decided later to remove one, you cannot
delete the input; either start over, or ignore it.

52

Finally, the resources

FLL Forum where you can find answers to your questions from other coaches
http://forums.usfirst.org/forumdisplay.php?f=24
FIRST http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/fll/
Video tutorials for both EV3 and NXT-G www.stemcentric.com
A great tutorial on how to program in NXT-G www.ortop.org/NXT_Tutorial
Instructions to build a variety of robots and sample programs www.nxtprograms.com
Wish you had extra LEGO pieces? www.bricklink.com
LA Region FLL website http://fll.larobotics.org/
LA Region FLL Google Group http://groups.google.com/group/LARFLL
If all else fails tony.ayad@gmail.com or fll@larobotics.org

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